Hunt makes fallen stock stand

THE BEAUFORT hunt in Gloucestershire has ceased taking fallen stock from its farmer members until it receives recognition that hunts provide an important service, often at no cost.

“We want a realisation from DEFRA that following a ban on hunting the service provided by hunts would be gone forever,” said Ian Farquhar, joint master of the Beaufort hounds.

Although no time-frame has been placed on the action, Captain Farquhar said it would run until they received recognition from both the government and the press for the role undertaken by hunts.

The Beaufort hunt serves about 400 farmers all of whom have been contacted and are completely supportive of the protest, he said.

“It‘s not just about collecting dead stock. Hunts also attend farms at very short notice to put down injured or sick animals often at a minimal cost.

“It‘s high time that DEFRA realised what a valuable service hunts provide.”